Sanzenbacher makes roster bid with diving, 30-yard TD reception

CLEVELAND — There shouldn't be any doubt about Dane Sanzenbacher's roster status now.

The second-year player from Ohio State was believed to be on the bubble when the Bears started practice this week. His situation got a boost after Rashied Davis, who suffered an undisclosed injury, told the Tribune he had been released. Sanzenbacher and Davis had seemed to be in a battle for a spot on the 53-man roster.

If the Bears were weighing whether to keep six receivers, as they did last season for the opener, Sanzenbacher likely swayed them Thursday night. His diving, 30-yard touchdown reception from Josh McCown in the first quarter was a thing of beauty. Sanzenbacher kept possession of the ball with Browns defensive back Trevin Wade smothering him.

Sanzenbacher was asked about his mentality entering the game.

"in a game like this, you can't let it get in your head,'' he said. "You just have to relax and play. … It can be tough. You're in, you're out. You're waiting around and you have to play special teams. But it's part of it.''

Sanzenbacher, who also returned punts, was on the field early and often Thursday with the starters and a handful of backups resting. He caught two passes for 40 yards after being targeted three times and returned two punts for 11 yards.

Standing out: Bears coach Lovie Smith was looking for a few guys to stand out in the final exhibition. Two defensive players did that in the first half against the Browns.

Linebacker Xavier Adibi, a late addition to the team during training camp, earned notice when he sacked quarterback Colt McCoy for a 9-yard loss. Adibi also dropped Browns running back Montario Hardesty for a 2-yard loss. He finished with a team-high seven tackles, including three for a loss.

Rookie safety Jeremy Jones opened some eyes when he leaped high to pick off a McCoy pass. Jones returned it 13 yards, helping set up McCown's touchdown pass to Sanzenbacher.

It's going to be hard for Golden to make the 53-man roster with the depth at receiver, but he's an ideal practice squad candidate.

"I just have to have faith and see what happens,'' Golden said. "I'm fine with (practice squad). Of course I have a lot of room to grow, being a rookie.''

Road to recovery:Stephen Paea was in full pads during pregame warm-ups as defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli put him through drills. The second-year nose tackle also did some light running.

Paea, who hasn't practiced since spraining his left ankle Aug. 11, said he wanted to return to practice Monday, but the trainers advised him to take it easy. Paea plans to play in the Sept. 9 season opener against the Colts but admitted the injury might linger. Matt Toeaina could start at nose tackle in the opener if Paea is not fully recovered.

Extra points:Robbie Gould missed a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter. Gould made all seven of his previous field-goal attempts in exhibition play. … Defensive tackle Brian Price, fighting for a roster spot, suffered a head injury in the third quarter and left the game. … Rookie defensive end Shea McClellin rested on the sideline with the starters.